Higher Education in Canada: Types of Degrees, Colleges/Degrees, Admissions, Fees

Relatively similar to education in the US with influences of the British system, higher education in Canada lacks federal accreditation. However, in Canada, each province and territory is responsible for education at all levels within it including universities. This suggests that each territory and province regulates the standards of education. The education categorization of the country provides a palette of vivid courses to pursue post-high school.

International students planning to study in Canada must know that the academic year is split into 3 semesters: Fall (end of August/start of September to December/January), Winter (January to April) and Summer (April/May to July).

Check out- Intakes in Canada!

Recognized worldwide for its high academic standards through elementary and secondary, colleges, universities and beyond, Canada focuses on rigorous quality assurance at all levels. Your journey of pursuing higher education in Canada can be simply listed in five steps:

• Discover (Explore the level, type, and course type followed by the institutes offering the program of choice)
• Choose Learning in-person or online
• Apply
• Find financial support
• Come to Canada

If you are at the final step of this journey, here is a read that can help you further- What to pack for Canada.

Higher Education in Canada- System Categorization

With over 600,000 international students, Canada is known as a relatively safer region to opt for higher education abroad. The popularity is also brought with the ease of immigrating to Canada. The higher education system of Canada can be categorized into various categories. These are discussed below in detail.

Elementary Education in Canada

Students enrolling in Kindergarten to Grade 8 are a part of elementary education in Canada. These can be further divided into- pre-elementary and primary. Details of the same are discussed below:

Pre-elementary education: Also known as kindergarten is the first stage of education in Canada. Children from the age of four to five are usually enrolled in this course. Like all educational stages in Canada, pre-elementary education is also accessible in the public and private domains. The primary focus is on teaching basic skills like speaking, hand-eye coordination and the foundation is laid as teaching alphabets, numbers, etc.

Primary education: Primary education in Canada is compulsory for all. Children from the ages of 6 to 7 begin their journey from grade 1 which lasts till grade 6. The primary education curriculum covers subjects such as reading, maths, science, English, (French in Quebec), history, music, social studies and arts. As the students advance to higher grades, the difficulty level of each class increases.

Secondary Education in Canada

Secondary schools or high schools offer opportunities to grow, learn and develop skills for the future. The secondary level of education in Canada is divided into two parts. Junior High School or Intermediate Education follows directly after elementary education. This two-year term of education covers grades 7 and 8.

High school, the time in life every other movie revolves around; Is a four-year last experience of school life. Lasting from grade 9 to grade 12, the high school curriculum in Canada is carefully designed to prepare students for higher education. Some provinces offer job opportunities to students post-completion of High School.

Post-secondary Education in Canada

Students enrolled for post-secondary education work towards acquiring academic degrees in a wide variety of subjects. These can be further divided into Colleges, Vocational schools, universities, graduate studies, professional certifications, more.

Explore: Top Ranking Canadian Universities!

Colleges and Vocational Schools

Offering transition courses or pre-graduation courses prepare students for their shift to universities. Colleges and vocational schools also offer short-term courses that can help build careers.

The types of pre-graduation programs available at various colleges- Certificate level (1-year), Diploma level (1-2 years), and Advanced Diploma (2-3 years). Additionally, there are also Courses like post-graduate diplomas and certificates offered by these colleges. Some of these are discussed below:

Education in Canada vs Quebec

Some of the major differences between higher education in rest of Canada and Quebec are:

• College refers to either a 2-year pre-university program or a 3-year professional program post which a student can pursue UG courses at university that are 3 years long.
• Elsewhere in Canada, college refers to community college or a technical school where students can earn a certificate, diploma or associate’s degree. Students can study an UG/PG course, while at graduate school they can obtain an advanced certificate, degree or diploma.

Popular Short-term Courses in Canada

The popularity of short-term courses in Canada is on its all-time spike. Some of the popular colleges for these courses are discussed below with their fees:To get into colleges for higher education in Canada you will need to have academic transcripts of previous education, birth certificate, parental consent (if minor), language proficiency, immigration documents/study permits, and any other documents may vary depending on the course and institute.

To know how to select a course to study in Canada, Click below! 

Higher Education with Universities in Canada

With top universities in Canada international students can obtain a wide variety of degrees- bachelor's degree, master's degree, and a PhD. Following are the levels of graduation courses offered in Canada: -

• Bachelor degrees- (full-time courses), lasting for 3-4 years
• Post-graduation Diploma/Certificate courses- 1-2 years
• Master’s degree- accessible post under graduation, typically takes up to 1-2 years
• Doctorate/PHD–four to seven years

Some of the top universities for pursuing higher education in Canada are discussed below

Many Universities in Canada are ranked at top positions in international lists, which makes it more popular among students. A recent policy by the Canadian government aims at increasing the number of foreign students, which makes Canada a safer choice for higher education.

Top Courses for Higher Education in Canada

Some of the popular sectors and the popular courses offered at various popular universities in Canada are discussed below:

Arts and Humanities- Canada offers a plethora of degrees in Arts, contributing to the creation of interesting styles and diverse ideation. Universities in Canada known for Arts and Humanities:

Business- Some of the best business schools in Canada are known for subjects like Risk Management, Brand Management, Logistics and more. Following are top Business Universities in Canada:

Medicine-The Canadian healthcare system is known all over the world for primary care and prevention. It is highly rated compared to other nations. Students who plan to pursue a degree in higher education in Canada in Medicine can look out for the following colleges:

Science and Engineering-Canada has observed a boost in various economic sectors in recent times. This makes engineering schools in Canada highly popular. Check out some of the courses to look after:

Computer Science and IT- IT Professionals and Software Developers have always been in demand all over the world. According to a report published by CIC, a Canadian immigration newspaper, IT project managers and software developers belong to the top-10 in-demand positions in Canada.

Explore- Information Studies Colleges in Canada

Listed below are a few colleges that offer training and courses in the IT sector for those looking for higher education in Canada in the respective sector:

Why Higher Education in Canada?

A spiking high number of international students pursue higher education in Canada. The number reported in 2020 for the same was around 642,000.

Here are some of the major reasons for international students choosing higher education in Canada over India

• World Ranking Universities- Canada is extremely popular for its colleges and universities that have claimed reputed rankings in international lists. It has over 26 universities that feature in the QS world university rankings of 2019. Out of the 26, three rank in the top 50; with 11 more making it to the top 300’ Canadian education is one of the more popular ones among students.
• Low Crime Rate- It is one of the safest places for students in the world with an extremely low crime rate. The reported crime rate in Canada for the year 2022, per 100,000 people, was 18.86. For years, the crime rate in Canada has been seeing a constant decline. Global news ranked Canada as the 2nd country in the world in terms of the quality of life.
• Research opportunities- The Canadian education system is equally focused on research as it is on traditional learning. This quality of education is a little rare and preferred over classroom education.
• R&D in Canada- The G7 Research Group is a global network of scholars, students and professionals in the academic, research, media, business, non-governmental, Governmental and intergovernmental communities who follow the work of the G7, the G8 and related institutions.
• Easy visa policy- Not only your study visa for Canada, but work permits as well as PR visas are often accepted easily. The country is renowned for its immigration friendly policies making it popular among those who wish to pursue higher education in Canada and later settle down.
• Cheaper Education Opportunities- As compared to the UK and the US, Canada offers courses at a cheaper price. Despite cheaper options, the education quality remains uncompromised.

Facts about Canadian Education System in Canada

• Canada is listed as one of the top three countries in spending per capita on public post-secondary education, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
• In Canada, the highest population of international students comprises students from India, followed by China.
• As per a survey by CBIE (Canada), 96% of international students recommend Canada for further studies.
• It spends 6% of its GDP on education — higher than the average spending among other OECD countries.
• Canada is one of the most educated countries in the world.
• Over 70% of the universities have a partnership with indigenous communities and organizations to enhance dialogue and reconciliation.·
• Universities conduct $1.2 billion in research annually for the not-for-profit sector, which has nearly tripled since 2000.

Higher Education in Student Cities in Canada

The country has 10 provinces each having a number of cities. Best Student Cities in Canada with scope are discussed below:

Higher Education in Montréal

QS Ranking has ranked it as the 6th best student city around the world in 2019. Montreal is the biggest city in Quebec and the second largest in Canada.

• There are four universities in Montréal, as well as seven other degree-awarding institutions and 12 General and Vocational Colleges (CEGEPs)
• The highest concentration of post-secondary students of all major cities in North America.
• The average cost of accommodation in Montreal per month is 1200 CAD for off-campus apartments and 700 CAD for on-campus living.
• The city is quite popular for its diverse culture and alluring visual arts; full of theatres, music groups, painters and dancers; the city is definitely a cultural abode for students.
• The city is home to one of the most popular universities, McGill University. Other important universities in Montreal are Université de Montréal and Concordia University. If you are looking forward to moving here, better start practising French today.

Higher Education in Toronto

Toronto is known for being one of the most multicultural towns in the entire world. The largest city in Canada is also the capital of Ontario. The heterogeneity of this town reflects in its culture and cuisine.

• Toronto can rightly be called the Financial Center of Canada as the Toronto Stock Exchange and the country’s five largest banks are located here.
• The average cost for living in Toronto is CAD 2000 per month. However, it totally depends on the type of accommodation and whether you are sharing apartments or not.
• On-campus accommodation is definitely much cheaper, it can go as cheap as CAD 650-1000.
• Toronto is another excellent location for students of visual arts, being the hub of all creative industries.
• The Toronto Film Festival has gained immense importance in the entertainment industry, locally the live music performances are sure to win the hearts of everyone who crosses paths with the artists.
• The highest-ranked university of Canada, The University of Toronto is located here, joined by York University and Ryerson University.

Higher Education in Edmonton

Also known as, The Festival City, Edmonton is the capital of the province of Alberta. Known for its year-round festivals, it is home to the West Edmonton Mall, formerly, the biggest mall all in the world.

• The location of this city makes it the hub of natural beauty And the city itself has a lot of attractions- Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum, The Arts District and the fashionable Old Strathcona Area.
• The city provides a plethora of mixed cultures in the form of theatre, live performances, hubs, pubs and cuisines.
• Amongst the Universities at Edmonton, the most notable one is The University of Alberta.
• Other universities include Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, NorQuest College, MacEwan University, The King’s University College and Concordia University of Alberta.

Higher Education in Quebec City

This historic city is the capital of the province with which it shares its name. Known for its picturesque streets and architecture, It is much more than just a big museum.

• Quebec City is relatively cheaper for students, the average monthly cost for living at off-campus sites is just 500 CAD.
• Notable universities in Quebec include the Laval University (Top 500 QS World Rankings), the Université du Québec and the Educational Institute for Women in North America.
• Quebec is also famous for its nightlife, the colourful Winter Carnival and all in all its cheerful scene.

Higher Education in Vancouver

Relatively new it is the hub of great universities like the University of British Columbian of the top 50 universities listed in the QS World Rankings.

• Other universities in Vancouver include Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria and The Vancouver Island University.
• This cosmopolitan town is the third-largest metropolitan in Canada. The Vancouver Film Festival is of great cultural importance.
• Several sites have constantly listed it as one of the most livable places and it continues to gain more tourists every year.

Higher Education in Canada Language Proficiency Requirements

The two official languages of Canada are English and French. One is required to be acquainted with either of these languages to lead an easier life in Canada. English being a Global Language, 95% of the population in Canada is fluent in English. However, French is popular in Quebec province and some areas in Ontario.

• Those seeking to learn either of these languages should enrol themselves in ESL (English as a second language) or FSL ( French as a second language) respectively.
• Students enrolled in any of these courses can live in Canada without a study permit for six months.
• For some universities, it is compulsory to take language proficiency tests in order to be eligible for admissions.

You can check out exams to study in Canada, for fulfilling the minimum language requirements posed by universities during the admissions process. Discussed below are the same briefly:

English Language Proficiency

Tests accepted include IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), etc. The minimum test scores requirements are:

Other tests accepted are PTE, Duolingo, etc

French Language Proficiency

Some of the tests accepted are TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) and DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française). For the former the minimum score requirement is 400.

Higher Education in Canada Applications

When planning to study abroad, one must be aware of the complete application process, requirements and additional information that can come in handy. Discussed below is the process of admissions in Canada in details:

When to apply?

• Diploma students can apply all around the year.
• Students wanting to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s should look out for admissions in November- December for the fall semester. As most universities accept admission for the same.
• Academic year- In Canada, the term usually begins in September and ends in April/May. This year is divided into two by a winter break. However, summer calls for different courses altogether, mainly around skill enhancement.

Where can we apply?

• For universities and colleges located in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta you can apply via SRAM, ontariocolleges.ca, and ApplyAlberta respectively.
• For colleges not affiliated with the above portals, submit the application via the official website of the college.

What are the admission requirements?

• Secondary School Certificate or Bachelor’s degree certificate (for admission in master’s)
• Certified translation for Non-English Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Purpose / Letter of Intent
• Proof of language proficiency
• Evidence of Financial Support
• Letter of Recommendation/Reference letters

Other documents may differ depending on individual college requirements.

Canada Study-Permit

Unlike most countries, the process of obtaining a student visa in Canada is not that complex. It has a transparent and accessible visa policy.Documents required to apply for the student visa: -

1. Acceptance letter from Designated Learning Institute (DSI)
2. 2 Recent passport-sized photographs
3. Valid Passport
4. Statement of Purpose
5. Proof of financial support up to CAD 11,000/ annum

Lacking any of the documents can result in rejection of a Canadian study permit.

More about the process-

• The permit stays valid for the duration of the programme and an additional period of 90 days.
• The processing takes up to 11 weeks, especially for Indian students.
• The processing fee for the permit is 150 CAD

Higher Education in Canada Estimated Costs

We can divide the cost for this section into two sections; one revolving around college expenditure and the other can be called the cost for living in Canada. A cumulation of these two can be summed up as our estimated cost.

Please remember that this section covers an approximate value, actual costs may vary from course to course, college to college and accommodation to accommodation

Tuition Fee for Canada

The primary chunk of expenditure will approximately cost a student between CAD 7000- CAD 35000 a year, depending on your course and college. However, popular courses like MBA can cost up to CAD 65,000 per year from top universities. For Indian students, it will roughly sum up to INR 3, 50,000 - 19,00,000 per year.

Cost of pursuing higher education in Canada in specific fields is discussed below:

Cost of Living in Canada

Cost of living involves accommodation, food and other miscellaneous charges. A rough estimate of the same can be calculated.

• Living in Canada is 135% more expensive than in India, it obviously depends on the city of your choice as well.
• On-campus accommodations are cheaper than off-campus housing. Similarly, smaller cities like Kingston are relatively cheaper than cities like Toronto.

On-Campus accommodation can cost from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 (annually) whereas living in a shared apartment can cost you around CAD 400 to CAD 700 per month depending upon your location and time of the year.

In the prime areas and cities, it could even go up to CAD 1000 to CAD 2000 a month. Other miscellaneous expenses like books, groceries, transportation can cost up to CAD 8000 - 12000 annually.

Higher Education in Canada with Financial Aid

Like most universities, Canadian Universities also offer scholarships for meritorious students who cannot afford expenses. Here is a list of scholarships to study in Canada:

Things to keep in mind when applying for these scholarships: -

• The essential requirement of selection is a decent scholarly score, which majorly depends on selected colleges and cities.
• One should start applying for scholarships 8-12 months before the course begins, as the procedure takes time,
• The amount of money granted varies on individual scores and different colleges.

Student Loan for Higher Education in Canada

In case of a lack of funds, one can always apply for education loans. Getting a loan sanctioned requires a lot of time and effort. Therefore, it is suggested to apply for a loan as soon as you get admission confirmation from a university.

The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program offers student grants and loans to full-time and part-time students. Grants and loans help students pay for their post-secondary education. The amount of loan granted depends on various factors including family income, province, tuition fee and living expenses, disabilities, etc.

You can check your eligibility for this program here.

After completion of higher education in Canada, one often looks for job opportunities and ways to settle in the country. To get jobs in Canada you will need a work permit as an international student.

Work Permit

As the student visa permits an additional period of 90 days post-graduation, students can apply for jobs and continue to stay in Canada post extension of their visa. This also leads to a path towards Permanent Residency for the future.

Various types of work permits available in Canada are: -

• Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - Students from only Designated Learning Institutes can apply for this work permit within 180 days of getting their results. It takes up to 85 days to process; the validity of which depends upon the duration of the programme.

• Open Work Permit- As the name suggests, it is open for all. This permit allows a person to work for any employer in Canada.
• Employer-specific work permit- This permit requires an offer letter from a Canada-based firm/organization.

With an unemployment rate of only 5.67% in 2019, Canada has a flourishing economy with ample job opportunities for international students. On average, a person earns 120,000 CAD per annum in Canada. The annual salary offered at entry-level is 30,200 CAD which can go as high as 534,000 CAD.

In the past decade, Canada has grown immensely as a student destination. The advancement in technology and growth in economic sectors are testimonials for the same. Not just an educational hub, Canada is the perfect blend of cultures and technology. With the diversity in cultures across several colleges, you are sure to feel at home in Canada.